Redding is first Ravens free agent to leave

Cory Redding became the first Ravens' free agent to find a new home today as the veteran defensive end agreed to a three-year, $10.5 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

The deal was first reported by ESPN.

In Indianapolis, Redding will reunite with Chuck Pagano, the Colts' head coach who was the Ravens' defensive coordinator this past season. Pagano is installing a 3-4 hybrid defense in Indianapolis, and it was expected that the he would go after a couple of his former players that have flourished in the system.

Free agent linebackers Jameel McClain and Jarret Johnson have also been connected to the Colts.

Redding, 31, played two seasons with the Ravens and established himself as a solid contributor on the field and a locker room leader.

He had 38 tackles and three sacks while playing in 15 regular season games during the 2010 campaign. This past season, he started 11 games and notched 43 tackles, 4 1/2 sacks and one fumble recovery.

The Ravens were interested in re-signing him, but at their price. They feel that young defensive linemen Pernell McPhee, who had six sacks during his rookie season, and Arthur Jones are ready for bigger roles.

As expected, the Ravens have been extremely quiet through the first 20 hours of free agency. While they would have liked to retain Redding, they made re-signing Pro Bowl left guard Ben Grubbs an even bigger priority. And that doesn't look good now as Grubbs is currently in New Orleans meeting with Saints' officials. The Saints are looking for a guard to replace Carl Nicks, who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this morning.

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